Angela’s Kitchen

 Enlightening and largely unknown snippets of information presented to us in Paul Capsis’ first solo work, Angela’s Kitchen – a play written simultaneously as a homage to Capsis’ Grandmother, and an exploration of familial relationships universally.  

 Presented by: Griffin Theatre CompanyVenue: SBW Stables Theatre, Sydney
Friday, 12 November, 2010 During the Second World War, Malta was the most bombed place on earth. In one period of 6 weeks, 6700 tonnes of bombs fell over the tiny country. Rations could be as little as two boiled sweets, half a sardine and a spoonful of jam per day. Such are the enlightening and largely unknown snippets of information presented to us in Paul Capsis’ first solo work, Angela’s Kitchen – a play written simultaneously as a homage to Capsis’ Grandmother, and an exploration of familial relationships universally.  The story, framed using highly effective projection, as a series of postcards, presents us with the story of Angela’s life- from her migration from Malta to Sydney in 1948, right through to her death, and Capsis’ subsequent own pilgimage to Malta later in life. It explores Capsis’ unusually intimate relationship with his grandmother, as well as his search for his own cultural identity, and that of a Maltese migrant trying to adjust to life in the comparitively introverted suburb of Surry Hills. 
One of the wonderful things about this show is that at the pure heart of it is a good story and great characters. Capsis plays a number of family members and friends, including his mother, aunt, grandfather, brother, and an accutely hilarious rendition of ‘bob’, the man who calls bingo down at the bingo hall.  Capsis seemlessly flows from character to character, managing them with both witty detachment and a great sense of love and respect for those portrayed, which is clearly evident from the sheer knowledge and detail of these characters.  The most commendable aspect of this production is the stunning use of projection, presenting us with images of Malta, of Sydney and of family members, all of which bring a real element of honesty and truth to the production that easily draws you in. The extremely intimate space of the SBW Stables theatre seems to work with this performance, rather than against it, and designer Louise McCarthy has done a wonderful job adapting the space- taking us into the heart of Angela’s world. 
With Angela’s Kichen, Capsis has managed a heartfelt and honest, yet witty and balanced exploration of what it is to love and have lost, and of the importance of those most valuable relationships in our lives. It is a story that we can all relate to in some way, and for Capsis, seems to have been a catartic exercise in losing one of his most treasured relationships, and learning to let go whilst still honoring Angela’s memory, and the legacy she leaves behind. Bookings: 02) 8002 4772
www.griffintheatre.com.au/whats-on/angelas-kitchen/